Rema Qureshi - The strength behind the Quintessential REMA

REMA launched less than a year ago but reached fame in Pakistan very fast. The reason being that eponymous brand by Rema Qureshi is quintessential, standing out from the boring bits. In under a year every fashionista had at least one piece from her Jewelry collection and later the Bags began to boom as well.

Born and raised in Lahore, Pakistan, Rema finished her early education in her homeland but went to University of Sussex and UCL, in the UK for higher studies. Surprisingly she was interested in the field of Development, thus worked at the UN as well as World Bank in Islamabad for a few years before she moved back to Lahore and started REMA.

This Spotlight interview will give the readers an insightful chance to get to know the brains and beauty behind REMA.

1. What does fashion mean to you?
Fashion, to me, is a way of expressing and exploring yourself. It’s a way of enjoying what is currently trending and how you can make it work for you. I have never been the kind of girl who kills herself over fashion. For me fashion, ultimately, needs to be comfortable, unique and make a statement.

2. What are your general professional and non-professional interests?
Professionally, my brand, REMA, makes accessories, jewelry, and clothes. I also have started, Conatural, with my sister Myra, which is a 100% skin and haircare products label. When I am not working, I enjoy traveling, yoga, and quality time with my friends and family.

3. What was the first item you ever designed?
The boxy logo studs. I still feel they are one of the most classic and versatile pieces I’ve made, and they have been one of my best-selling pieces.

4. How do your designs differ or stand out from the rest?
My designs have a signature style, which always winds down to being unique, super wearable, and make a statement but in a subtle manner. They are light and fresh, and can be worn in the day or night, and with Eastern or Western clothes, by both men and women. I pride myself on having a luxury brand that emphasizes on craftsmanship.

5. How would you define your city's style sense?
I’ve noticed that people are a lot more aware now, and more fashion forward. People are interested in unique buys, seeking some thing different with quality in mind. There are huge pockets of people who enjoy fashion in different ways from young students, house wives to professionals.

6. Who are some of your favorite designers?I am loving Del Pozo and Sophia Webster these days!

7. Where do you get your inspiration?From traveling and the world around me.

8. What's your favorite part about conceptualizing a design?Seeing the end result, and how it exceeds my expectations.

9. Do you prefer sketching designs or just directly constructing them?
Sketching is a very important part of designing, as it helps facilitate whether design can be produced or not. One must put their thoughts on paper before going ahead with production, as sometimes things don’t turn out the way you want them. It's is good to have a conceptual idea and see it transpire in to a physical product. I also love sketching – I find it very relaxing.

10. How long does it usually take you to construct an item?
It can take between 6-8 weeks.

11. What do you believe makes a quality article?Attention to detail, wear-ability, and stellar craftsmanship

12. What are your favorite colors to work with and why?I love the jewel tones of deep maroons, cobalt blue, and emerald green. I love how striking gold and rose gold are. I feel attracted to these colours when working and feel that there’s a lot I can do with them. They go from day to night and have a luxurious feel to them.

13. What are your favorite materials to work with and why?
The materials I generally work with are leather, brass, silver, semi-precious stones, gold-plated hardware, silk, suede, amongst others. I am also exploring exotic skins now.

14. What do you like best about designing accessories?I love seeing my pieces on people and how different it looks on every individual.

15. What do you dislike about designing accessories?In the prototyping phase, when things just don’t turn out the way I imagined them to be and I have to keep going back to the drawing board!

16. What advice do you have for aspiring designers?Stay focused, don't spread yourself too thin, remain passionate, and ensure/understand wear-ability of your product.

17. What are some of your fashion goals?To keep getting bigger and better, while maintaining standard and quality. To remain passionate about my work, work the hardest and do the best that I can.

You can get more info on the brand, products and other details from the following links: